Craig G. Cannon is the founder, former Artistic Director, and current President of Belle Voci. He has always had a passion for singing, creating quality art in the form of group singing performances, and for using music as a path to community outreach and social justice. 

 

While still teaching at Fox Chapel Area High School, Craig began to dream about creating a community-based choir for treble voices that would continue to be part of his musical life following retirement. He spent two years making detailed plans, and on September 5, 2012, he led Belle Voci in its first official rehearsal. After 34 years at FCAHS, 10 years serving as adjunct faculty of the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University, and 11 seasons in the dual roles of Artistic Director and President of Belle Voci, Craig settled into his sole role as BV's President on June 1, 2023. 

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Under Cannon’s direction, Belle Voci has presented consequential contemporary choral works such as, “Sing for the Cure – A Proclamation of Hope," a 60-minute song cycle with full orchestration commissioned by The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, “Suffrage Cantata” by Andrea Ramsey, a multi-media work in 5 movements that showcases the diligent efforts of diverse women's fighting and winning the right to vote, and "Anne Frank: A Living Voice," by Linda Tutas Haugen, lyrics from "Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl." As President, Craig continues the work of Belle Voci's mission to Connect Song and Community, promoting the overall goals of supporting and preserving a culture of diversity, accessibility, and inclusion; all the while believing music can encourage creativity, promote civic engagement, and demand social justice within a healthy community.

 

Recognizing his career-long work in the field of choral music, in 2017 Craig Cannon was presented with the Elaine Brown Award for Choral Excellence by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.  In addition to his service with Belle Voci, Craig worked at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh as the Interim Executive Director of Hope Academy for Music and the Arts (2018-2019).  His professional affiliations include the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Chorus America, National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA). Mr. Cannon is a life member of ACDA and served both as President and Treasurer of the Pennsylvania chapter. He also completed a two-year term as President of ACDA’s Eastern Division from 2002-2004.

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Craig and his wife, Nancy, reside in Pittsburgh and enjoy traveling, spending time with their three daughters and their families, and babysitting their granddaughter, Harper.